Stephanie & Brandon | Lowndes Grove Plantation



When your first date lasts for six hours, you know there’s something good going. Such was the case for Chicagoans Stephanie and Brandon, who met on Bumble and headed out for happy hour drinks-turned-dinner. Charleston became special for the Windy City pair not only because a visit here marked their first trip together, but also because it is where they first exchanged “I love you’s”. A few years after that auspicious vacay, Brandon and Stephanie were back home getting ready for a Friday night dinner date. Just before they left, Brandon told Stephanie their dog needed to be let out and asked if she would come with him on the walk. Annoyed because she was trying to get ready, Stephanie reluctantly agreed … and was she ever glad! They took their pooch to a nearby park where Brandon got down on one knee and proposed. Stephanie had seen photos of Lowndes Grove Plantation and nothing compared. “It is quintessential Charleston—the beautiful architecture, the waterfront views, and the sunsets,” says Stephanie. “It was everything we wanted our guests (most of who had never been to Charleston) to see, and it is truly a fairy tale venue.” Lauren Miller from ELM Events embraced the bride-to-be’s leanings for a classic, rustic vibe and crafted a setting that gave Ava Moore Photography tons of gorgeous fodder. And check out the food shots! “We didn’t want the typical ‘wedding food,’” says Stephanie, “so we tried to incorporate as many local and Southern dishes as possible.” Incidentally, her biggest regret from the night was that she didn’t eat more—a woman after our own hearts. And as a tip-of-the-hat to their Midwest roots, Brandon and Stephanie served the Chicago snack staple Garrett Popcorn. Sounds like the best of both worlds to us.

Wedding Design: ELM Events | Florals: Roadside Blooms | Photography: Ava Moore Photography | Videography: Lowcountry Wedding Films | Venue, Catering, and Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Rentals: Ooh! Events, Snyder Events, EventHaus | Ceremony Music: Classical Charleston | Reception Band: Punch – EastCoast Entertainment | Bride’s Gown: Martina Liana from Simply Luxe Bridal | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Sorella Vita | Beauty: Lashes and Lace | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.

The Wedding Row

February 8 2019
One of the things about being wedding-obsessed is that we’ve seen (more than) our share of Big Days thrown here in Charleston. So for us to pass on a post to you, it’s got to be an event that was...

February 7 2019
Emily and Alex’s Big Day may look effortlessly picture-perfect (thanks to the expert styling skills of Blythe Hill at Hill & Co. Creative), but according to Emily, there was a moment before the...

February 6 2019
Beer, pizza, and donuts each play a pivotal role in Brent and Lauren’s romance, which hit a majorly high note last fall when they wed at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. But before we get to the big...

February 5 2019
If, after looking at these photos, you find yourself scrolling down to the vendor credits to see which planner was at the helm of this traditional-meets-artsy fête at The Cedar Room, you won’t find...

February 4 2019
There’s a lot you can tell about a wedding from photos—the color palette, what kind of dress the bride wore, how amazing the cake was—but we’ve learned that the best wedding info often comes straight...

February 1 2019
Watch out, Lowcountry, there’s a new wedding venue down the road. Previously a private home, Coosaw Plantation sits just outside Beaufort, making it a short (and scenic) drive from Charleston. And as...

January 31 2019
There are so many cool details about this couple and their sleek black-tie wedding by Bouquets and Bowties that we hardly know where to start. How about let’s back up for a sec and start with the...

January 30 2019
We got a live one, y’all! You know when we get a great first-person(s?) story from a couple that we like to let them tell their tale. Well, meet Kingslea and Preston. Get ready to take notes because...